it has been reported that president obama presented a plan to increase taxes on income over a quarter million dollars per year, as part of the deficit reduction plan to deal with american debt. he would probably say to the congressional leaders that need to figure out a way to get it through, but i think the expectations in washington of a deal are low with only three, four days left until the new year and the media tax hikes and spending cuts taking and -- kicking in. >> that means perhaps heading back into recession? >> yes, there is little doubt in washington about the seriousness of the sick jubilation. the problem is withdrawing government demand from the economy too big spending programs, cuts with a smothering effect on the tax hikes will have been very damaging effect on the was economy and by extension the world economy. people know it is serious, but the politics, we know that the house and senate republicans do not want to increase taxes on anybody, so it is very difficult to see how a package can get through congress, certainly in time for the new year. one guess is that t